summer

Y’all know I love a good female nature inspired artist who makes her art her way regardless of the social norms of what women were/are “allowed” to do. I’ve written lots about Beatrix Potter and Anna Botsford Comstock over the years. And on the blog we’ve looked at many more female identified nature artists from

We’ve painted with a flower petal and printed with leaves, so now it’s time to print with petals! As we learned in the Wonder Wednesday 36 activity Chlorophyll Collage Prints, leaves get their green color from chlorophyll, but where do flowers get their color? Well, it varies. In plants, just like in animals, genetics decide what

The World of Wonder Conference in Chicago last week was simply fantastic! I got so much inspiration and so many ideas I can’t wait to share them here. It was also so wonder-ful to meet so many awesome people working everyday to keep humans and nature connected in so many unique, mindful, fun ways.

I had such fun teaching an insect anatomy nature journal class last week, that I thought what a great Wonder Wednesday project! Not to mention why not celebrate all the awesome summer insects flying around these days? Cicadas, dragonflies, butterflies, beetles, even mosquitoes – insects are cool! The neat part of anatomy – in most

In the current flashy fast modern life, I dare to say ordinary is exactly what we need. A constant media barrage of horrific events and tumultuous political climates – all on top of regular life challenges, it is tough to keep that glass half full outlook. To find respite, look to the little things, the simple pleasures. Spend time

Books & Brushes: An Art Journaling and Watercolor Beach Retreat I’m super excited to invite you to a very special event this August! It’s a creative retreat I’m co-hosting at the beach! Join me and Kiala Givehand for a two day creative immersion retreat at Flow Studio in Neptune Beach, Florida! The two-day, hands-on retreat starts on day one with blank pages that become handmade

School is out (or nearly out), summer is officially around the corner and I imagine everyone is ready for the nostalgia that summer brings –watermelon, ocean breezes, and bare feet. Summer is amazing. It affords us the time to explore ideas and projects that we put off during the school year. It also offers

Happy 5 year anniversary of Wonder Wednesday! I can hardly believe this is the 60th activity! We’ve had some great creative nature connection fun over the past 5 years! To honor this milestone, I thought I’d do a “remember the good times” compilation of some of my favorite activities for you. — Just

Maria Montessori lived in Italy and Europe through 2 world wars, including a Fascist regime. She knew a thing or 20 about tough times – politically, culturally, and environmentally speaking. Those challenging life experiences drove her to keep working, teaching, and striving for peace through education until her death in 1952, at age 82.

The August guest post series continues with more fun ideas for creating themes for you garden! This week we’re joined by Helen Bradford from Sydney, Australia, with some great ideas for looking to the past for garden inspiration. I love mid-century style so this is right up my alley! Looking back also blends perfectly with your